Apparatus and methods for connecting modules using remote switching
US6205532A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 20, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F15/8023
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A module connection assembly connects modules in a torus configuration that can be changed remotely. In particular, a single module can be added to or deleted from the configuration by remotely switching from conducting paths that provide end-around electrical paths to conducting paths that provide pass-through electrical paths. The assembly includes two backplanes, a first set of module connectors for electrically connecting modules to one of the backplanes, and a second set of module connectors for electrically connecting modules to the other backplane. The assembly further includes configuration controllers. Each configuration controller selects between end-around electrical paths that electrically connect multiple module connectors of the first set to each other, and pass-through electrical paths that electrically connect module connectors of the first set to module connectors of the second set. Each configuration controller operates as a remotely configurable switch that configures a topology formed by the backplanes and the module connectors. In particular, by adding a single module, the topology can be expanded incrementally.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.